Thoracic Surgeon
(61K)

Enlisted

Officer

Active Duty

Army Reserve

Open to Women

Entry Level

Overview

Because of the U.S. Army’s world-class medical resources, hundreds of studies and innovative techniques in thoracic trauma, oncology and respiratory medicine have found their start right here. Innovation is just one of the reasons you’ll find so many of the world’s top thoracic surgeons—as well as respected experts in over 90 other specialties—serving on the U.S. Army health care team.

Job Duties

Examine, diagnose and treat or prescribe course of treatment and surgery for patients with surgical diseases or injuries to the thorax and vascular system, and perform required surgery

Perform special staff functions in health support for commanders at all levels

Conduct medical research on diseases of military importance, and conduct, supervise and participate in graduate medical education and training of other medical personnel needed to sustain a robust and readily available medical system

Requirements

ACTIVE:

Doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree from an accredited U.S. school of medicine or osteopathy; foreign graduates may apply with permanent certificate from the Educational Council of Foreign Medical Graduates

Current license to practice medicine in the United States, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico

Eligibility for board certification

Completion of at least one year of an approved graduate medical education internship

Completion of a training program in thoracic surgery

Between 21 and 42 years of age (may request a waiver, Locate A Recuriter for more information)

U.S. citizenship

RESERVE:

In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.

Training

In the U.S. Army, the case diversity surgeons experience in caring for Soldiers and their families far exceeds the medical care environment of the private sector. As an Army Medical Corps officer, you’ll have access to the most sophisticated technology, the opportunity to consult with experts in both the military and private sector, plus exceptional professional growth opportunities, including continuing education courses, seminars and conferences. Surgeons may even serve as faculty at one of our prestigious graduate medical education programs.

For physicians just starting out, the Army Medical Corps offers first-year graduate medical education, residency and fellowship programs. Qualifying medical school students can also benefit through unique training opportunities exclusive to Army Medical Corps officers. Medical Corps officers will also attend certain military short courses designed to develop and enhance the tactical, technical and operational skills unique to the military environment.

Helpful Skills

The normal environment of an Army Medical Corps officer’s work requires time-sensitive problem analysis with an accurate, sound and immediate decision. Ability to operate under stress, apply critical thinking skills, make decisions and translate these skills to battlefield conditions is critical to medical and mission success.

Effective patient care requires the proper balance between technical skills and the ability to apply the appropriate treatment or procedure at the right moment. Army Medical Corps officers possess expert knowledge in their area of concentration, patient management, and general support and coordination principles. Surgeons gain this knowledge through continuing medical education and experience sustained by mentoring, additional institutional training, continuous self-development and progressive levels of assignments within their specialty.

Compensation

ACTIVE BENEFITS:
In addition to the many privileges that come with being an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you’ll be rewarded with:

30 days of paid vacation earned annually

Noncontributory retirement benefits with 20 years of qualifying service

No-cost or low-cost medical and dental care for you and your family

RESERVE BENEFITS:

Health Professional Special Pay Health Professionals Loan Repayment

Noncontributory retirement benefits at age 60 with 20 years of qualifying service

Low-cost life and dental insurance

Travel opportunities, including humanitarian missions

Both active and Reserve duty officers enjoy commissary and post exchange shopping privileges; a flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k); may receive pay for continuing education; and specialized training to become a leader in their field.

Education Benefits

ACTIVE:
Not only are surgeons paid as commissioned officers but they also are eligible to receive special pay incentives and take advantage of unique education benefits. The Army Medical Corps may offer paid continuing education in your clinical specialty, paid malpractice premiums, and options to specialize and serve at ever-increasing levels of leadership and responsibility.

RESERVE:
One of the many advantages of becoming a member of the U.S. Army Reserve health care team is that you’ll be able to focus on patient care instead of medical school loans. By continuing to practice in your own community and serving when needed, you may qualify for HPLR to repay your medical school loans.

Future Civilian Careers

As you advance through your medical career, you will be looking for experiences that blend teaching, research and clinical excellence to best prepare you for unique and challenging opportunities in medicine. Our surgeons excel in clinical, research, operational, academic and health administration arenas. Many have worked in more than one career track throughout their time in the U.S. Army and have held leadership positions ahead of their private sector counterparts.

U.S. Army surgeons are highly desired candidates for competitive private sector jobs upon leaving the Army. In fact, many former U.S. Army surgeons serve as faculty in elite medical schools and residency programs, and our fellows are accepted by many renowned training institutions.

PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH SUCCESS (PaYS) Program

Those interested in this job may be eligible for civilian employment, after the Army, by enrolling in the Army PaYS program. The PaYS program is a recruitment option that guarantees a job interview with military friendly employers that are looking for experienced and trained Veterans to join their organization. Find out more about the Army PaYS Program at http://www.armypays.com.